Sunday, September 7

Would a Chicken, Jalapeno, and Cheddar Quesadilla (and a cold beer) Make Tom Brady Feel Better?

I have had better weeks.

First, on Tuesday, I chipped a tooth. Then on Thursday, our car died and needed to be resuscitated. But it was still OK until today, when Tom Brady of the New England Patriots went down in the first quarter of the first game of the season with a gimp left leg.

Ugh.

In case you didn't know, I like football, but I love football when Tom Brady is playing. Tom was assisted off the field and never returned. I, like millions of other Patriots fans, have fallen into despair.

Fortunately I was able to distract myself by eating a Chicken, Jalapeno, and Cheddar Quesadilla with Chipotle BBQ Sauce for dipping (being a Foodie does have its perks). These are easy to make, fun to eat, and filling. I made and photographed them during half time and still had time to eat them without missing a single touchdown (something for which I am notorious).

So, please, Tom, for me, and for your millions and millions of fans out there, get well soon! And let me know what your favorite pre-game football food is so I can make if for you when you come here to San Diego in 34 days, 21 hours, and 35 minutes. I'm a really good cook.

To make the bbq sauce, whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl, and set aside.

In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, warm 4 teaspoons olive oil. Add onions, sprinkle evenly with sugar, and toss until well coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then reduce heat to low, and continue cooking until onions are fully caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add jalapeno slices and some salt, stir well, and remove from heat.

Meanwhile, season chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add chicken and saute 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Set aside.

Place 1 tortilla on a clean cutting board. Sprinkle with a little shredded cheese, top with 1/4 of the chicken, 1/4 of the onion mixture, 1/4 of the cilantro, then add a little more cheese. Top with another tortilla, and press lightly with your hand. Continue with remaining tortillas and filling until you complete 4 quesadillas.

Heat a large, nonstick, dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1 quesadilla. Cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and place in a warm oven (200-300 degrees F) until ready to serve. (Or eat 'em as you make 'em.) Repeat with remaining 3 quesadillas.

Cut each quesadilla into 4 wedges. Serve with bbq sauce for dipping. Oh, and don't forget the cold beer.

Hi Susan,just discovered your wonderful blog. I love your quesadillas eventhough i'm not into football. Sorry, soccer is more popular in this part of the world. David Beckam, Ronaldo and others are well known sports stars here.

Hysterical - a great Monday morning laugh! Not in the Tom Brady fan camp but he'd be silly not to contact you right away!! (by the way, made your pizza dough, which is my go-to, for Monday night football tonight; it's our favorite!)

OH YUMM! These would certainly make me feel better. I'm not a Patriot fan (from Texas), but I am a Tom fan & I hope he's OK. These quesadillas look perfect for watching a couple of games on Sunday! I love it that there is no goat cheese so I don't have to feel guilty about making them (although the goat cheese really is great!).

Everything really does always happen in 3's, doesn't it? These look delicious and like the perfect football watchin snack. We are all saying a little prayer for Tom and will keep our fingers crossed that he's back on the field asap!

I can relate to the bad week part... My computer was home, after a 4-day hospital stay, for only 10 minutes, before mon mari's crashed and burned and we were back to the hospital with a different computer...2 old computers..... Not good!Sorry about the football debacle though... I could come and help eat the quesadilla's... Really, I wouldn't mind....

Sorry, Susan! I am a football fan, too; however, although I live in New England, I am from New York....which means I am a die hard Giants fan!I never wish anyone injury, though. That does suck.I also got caught in post game traffic on my way to Boston last night to see Ryan Adams at the B of A Pavillion! I was surrounded by some pretty depressed face painted men with huge coolers in their cars!

And on behalf of all the people in my (Kansas City) area: we deeply apologize for the injury. It was so sad to know that the Chiefs were the ones on the field yesterday (I listened on the radio, and cringed when it happened...).

I know even less about American football than I do about soccer (my husband's passion) but he is a cutie! :) And your quesadillas look fantastic! I love chipotle tabasco...how i wish I could find real chipotle peppers in adobo sauce here!

As soon as I heard the news about Tom Brady's injury I thought about you. I now associate Tom Brady with you because I've read about him here more than anywhere else. I don't read the sports page or pay attention to sports news so all of my Tom Brady news comes from your blog. If it wasn't for you, I'd have no idea who he is.

Not a huge fan of football - in fact the only game I've ever watched right through was a Green Bay Packers game, watched when I was at the Oshkosh EAA airshow in 1997!! But even though I'm not a football fan, I'l happily join you in front of the TV if you're serving these quesadillas :)